This is a new weekly blog to let people know of the dangers of dry cutting kerb, flag and paving, what HSE is doing about it and my experiences and comments as the project moves forward. You may not be aware that the dust created using cut-off saws contains respirable crystalline silica which can cause silicosis, cancer and other respiratory diseases. Latest figures suggest over 500 construction workers dying from lung cancer each and many more suffering breathing problems. I’m working with the construction industry and its suppliers to stop workers putting their health and those of others at risk. The project has produced simple communications tools such as a DVD and encouraged the industry to take action.
As an example I had a call from a contractor in Birmingham who had been in his words ‘asked by my gaffer to get hold of the DVD for site training as he had seen it elsewhere and wanted to get all the workers on site ‘up to speed’ on this issue’. I’ve also heard that many of the new HSE construction inspectors have commented there is an increased awareness general across the country on building sites about RCS and dry cutting. There is still a general feeling that the work we (HSE and stakeholders) have done has made difference. Over a quarter million leaflets have been requested by stakeholders and thousands of DVDs are getting out there or shown via web sites.
So, I aim to let you know as things happen so you can keep right up to date. There is a dedicated web community for this work. Currently I’m looking at opening up the web community so that those representing the construction industry and their suppliers can upload their own documents and manage the content of the web community. This will be for recognised organisations with a membership. I’ll keep you informed how this progresses.
http://webcommunities.hse.gov.uk/inovem/inovem.ti/kerbcutting.community/groupHome
Rob Ellis
